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Michigan announces specialty crop investments

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has announced $2.5 million will fund 23 specialty crop projects this year.

Director Tim Boring tells Brownfield the Specialty Crop Block grants support the long-term viability of the sector.

“I think this grant program in particular here in Michigan is really powerful because of the partnership with the commodity groups and the stakeholder organizations that are directly responding to challenges they see across the state and filling in gaps and addressing what some of those opportunities might be,” he says.

Boring says the department continues to listen to stakeholder concerns and expand opportunities throughout the food supply chain.

“It’s about helping people, it’s about building opportunities through agriculture with the recognition that we can make some meaningful changes for the future of our state in a positive way that’s well aligned with our values,” he explains.

Marketing efforts through the Michigan Ag Council along with groups representing apple, asparagus, dry bean, blueberry, strawberry, and bramble growers are a major focus for the 2024 funding.

The department’s International Marketing Program received the largest grant at more than $155,000 focused on international and domestic Michigan specialty crop promotion.